One reason I haven't agreed that Santorum should leave the race. Theoretically all the evangelicals who just won't vote for Newt are more likely to go for Santorum than Romney. If he leaves, then I thought Romney might benefit. Seems to be supported by the polls.
“Theoretically all the evangelicals who just won’t vote for Newt are more likely to go for Santorum than Romney. If he leaves, then I thought Romney might benefit.”
Depends on how proactively Gingrich addresses his sexual and marital history. Against Romney is the whole Mormon issue. If Romney had a solid conservative track record, evangelicals would probably support him despite the Mormon baggage, but he does not. There is -nothing- there to attract evangelicals except perhaps an absence of petty vice.
As for Gingrich, yes, he has a record of sins (as do we ALL), BUT he has addressed them in a way that connects with evangelicals. He has acknowledged wrong, expressed his repentance and reached for redemption. That is the tale of the prodigal son, of David, or of Paul. THAT is more captivating for most evangelicals than a smug “X don’t smoke nor drink nor chew, and X don’t kiss no girls who do” line of approach.
Evangelicals should NOT be confused with Puritans or the Inquisition. Evangelicals understand repentance and forgiveness and restoration.